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Health care delivery nowadays requires an extensive network of professionals and ancillary personnel to function in an increasingly complex health care system. Beyond the physicians and nurses we traditionally associate with hospitals, there is a myriad of other positions that have become more commonly associated with health.
Physician and dental assistants fulfill an intermediate role in patient care, with the ability to perform basic medical duties under the supervision of doctors. Medical assistants and other administrative personnel oversee the clerical work of the medical office. Laboratory technicians run an array of tests on patient samples to help in the diagnosis of illnesses. Pharmacists dispense prescription medication or perform research in the burgeoning pharmacologic field. Technology has also created a niche for skilled technicians who work with x-rays, ultrasound, and other specialized medical equipment.
Other positions less commonly associated with health are also vital to the industry. Educators train students, who also participate in patient care to gain the necessary expertise in health. Dieticians counsel the medical staff and patients on diverse nutritional issues. Physical therapists provide follow-up rehabilitation care. Social workers and counselors address the more social aspects of health.
The legal and economic framework of medicine are just as important in health care as its clinical aspects. Health care executives manage the hospitals and organizations as they would any other large corporation. Accountants oversee and audit the financial statements. Lawyers serve integral consulting roles to guide and protect against litigation.
Alternative medicine is also gaining broader acceptance in health care. Acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, herbalists are a few examples of providers of such care. There are many more health professionals who contribute to the foundation of a massive and complex industry that focuses on the health of the population.
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